VANCOUVER, B.C. - Even after three decades behind bars, a National Parole Board panel says a B.C. cop killer cannot be released, even for a few hours.
The panel rejected Friday Steven LeClair's request for full parole, day parole or even unescorted temporary absences.
The board said that despite almost three decades behind bars, they see a lack of clarity from LeClair on whether his killings were motivated by revenge or "automatism."
The board also told LeClair he demonstrated little insight into his risk for violence.
On Sept. 20, 1980, LeClair walked into the Palace Hotel tavern, on Hastings Street in Vancouver, with a .45-calibre handgun and opened fire, hitting four people. Three of them died - two employees and a customer.
According to reports, he forced a cab to drive him to the RCMP detachment in Richmond, where Const. Tom Agar was behind the desk.
LeClair shot Agar in the chest and he died at the scene. The 26-year-old father of one was expecting another child with his wife.
Another officer, Const. Wayne Hannigan, then exchanged gunfire with Agar. Hannigan was shot in the leg, but the exchange allowed another officer to arrest LeClair.
LeClair was convicted of first-degree murder and in 1998 a B.C. Supreme Court jury rejected his bid for parole under the faint-hope clause.
Agar is buried in Burnaby.